TARGET PHARMACY: INNOVATION AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Elizabeth S. Roop

Published Online: Friday, September 1, 2006

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IF YOUR CAREER OBJECTIVE IS
to work with an organization that
encourages innovation and leadership
and that prides itself on offering professional
development opportunities,
then Target wants to hear from you.

"We want to be a leader in the
pharmacy industry, and we want
people to join our organization who
have that passion and that desire,"
said Pam Bernadella, manager of pharmacy
professional services for Target.
"We really look for pharmacists who
are patient-focused and service-oriented.
The second [characteristic] is
good communication skills. The third
would be those who have adaptability.
The profession of pharmacy is changing,
and it is important for us to
innovate and change to meet the needs
of our guests."

Target, which entered the pharmacy
business in 1962 and currently has
1215 stores with pharmacies in 45
states, does more than just talk about
innovation and leadership; it incorporates
those qualities into every
aspect of its pharmacy services.
In fact, the company's introduction
of the ClearRx pharmacy
system in 2005 marked the first
major innovation in pharmacy in
about 50 years, said Bernadella.

The ClearRx prescription-drug
packaging system features a
wedge-shaped bottle that provides
a flat surface so labels can
be read without turning the package.
Colored rings on the neck of
the bottle help prevent mix-ups;
crucial data, including drug and
dosage, are clearly printed at the
top; easy-to-read warning labels
are printed on the back of the
bottle; and critical medical information
is printed on a card that
tucks securely in the back and
stays with the bottle at all times.

"We are very proud to have taken
on this challenge. Our team
members worked extremely hard
with designer Deborah Adler, and
came up with an innovation that
we believe will help our guests significantly,"
said Bernadella. "That is
unique; you do not see innovation
very often in pharmacy. That is the
type of environment we have at Target.
We are always looking for ways we can
be better and do things differently. If I
had to pick just one attraction for pharmacists,
it would be that."

IDENTIFYING, DEVELOPING
LEADERS

Target's formal recruitment program
is aimed at both new graduates
and executive-level candidates, who
are sought out during campus visits
and job fairs, as well as through speaking
engagements and sponsorship
opportunities.

The company also offers an internship
program that typically runs during
the summer months and gives
students the chance to gain an inside
look at community pharmacy, counseling,
and prescription preparation,
as well as to develop the skills that
prepare them for careers in pharmacy.
It also offers a unique opportunity
to learn how Target Pharmacy is
integrated into the Target store.

Beyond that, however, the company
is always looking for quality pharmacy
candidates at every level, and encourages
job seekers to visit the Target Pharmacy
career site at www.target.com/pharmacycareers to learn more about
positions with the company and submit
resumes.

Once on-board, pharmacists have
access to a wide range of resources
and support, said Janis Hardie, Target
human resources manager. "Of the
things we feel strongly about, first
and foremost would be the training
we provide; the initial training when
they sign on and also the ongoing
commitment we give to their training
and development throughout their
career at Target," she said.

Bernadella added, "We really differentiate
ourselves with an outstanding
program for those who join our organization.
We have professional training
to help keep skills current and to make
sure they continue to be experts in
medication use. We have leadership
training, which is critical to our environment
and culture. We are not just
focused on the job itself with our training
programs, but on really helping our
team members reach their potential
and helping them be the best they can
in whatever role they have within the
organization."

OPENING CAREER DOORS

Career opportunities with Target go
beyond the pharmacy. While many
come into the organization as staff
pharmacists and move up through the
ranks to higher positions, opportunities
also are available outside the pharmacy.
For example, Target employs a
number of pharmacists on its headquarters
support teams in roles that
include recruitment and operations.

Bernadella points to her own
career path as an example of what
Target has to offer, saying she never
dreamed she would be doing what
she is doing now when she first started
as a Target staff pharmacist.
"Opportunities came about and
doors were opened for me because of
our commitment to growth and personal
development. I was fortunate to
have some great mentors and
resources at Target to help me," she
said. "What we pride ourselves on is
that, if people have the passion and
desire to explore other avenues, we
have those available to them."

As a corporation, Target also benefits
from a pharmacy leadership team
that includes a mix of both pharmacists
and nonpharmacists, she added.
"We value having a diverse team.
Having talented team members who
bring different skills and views to the
table are essential for success."

THE TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

Whether in the pharmacy or part
of the corporate team, pharmacists
who are part of the Target family can
count on having the tools and
resources they need to succeed both
professionally and personally.

For example, the company offers
industry-standard resources, such as
an on-line pharmacology tool to
ensure the most current information
is at the pharmacist's fingertips. They
also provide significant training in
health care and over-the-counter
products so pharmacists can advise
guests appropriately.

Flexible scheduling is another benefit,
allowing pharmacists to work
closely with their supervisors to manage
personal needs, as well as to plan
in advance for family needs, vacations,
etc. "Work-life balance is very
important to us at Target. We want to
make sure our team members are getting
what they need," said Hardie.

"Target, as an organization, is
growing, and our pharmacy within
Target is growing as well," she added.
"It is about [our pharmacists] growing
with us; growing with an innovative,
leading company. We will provide
them with the tools and resources to
do that."